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Sunday, February 14, 2010

book of my heart

I love this old book with the little locked heart on the cover. I've often referred to The Frontiersman's Daughter as the book of my heart. I think it always will be, though I am very fond of Courting Morrow Little. A book simply must have HEART.

The last few days I've been reading through the pages for CML which is just a loose leaf copy of the book before it goes to print. It really is a joy to sit in silence with those book pages (only 362 as opposed to TFD's 412!) and see how it reads, though I envy those of you who come to a book fresh.

By this stage I've been over the book so many times it has the feel of stale bread:) I'm not complaining, mind you! I still have those favorite sentences and scenes that I race to get to and then savor once I'm there. And I hope you'll do the same. There's no such thing as the dreaded sagging middle - not in this book, anyway! Though there are always spots a perfectionist sees that might have been better. I wonder if artists feel this way? Do they stand back from a painting and see things they wish they'd changed? I know musicians do this. When Paul fiddles onstage he sometimes wishes things had sounded a bit differently.

I didn't do an acknowledgements page this time but do like my dedication. After the title page and publishing credits the dedication is simply "a few sparse words dropped into those preliminary white pages, poetic in their brevity." One of the best parts of writing a book is deciding who to dedicate the book to. Before I was published I used to dream most about book covers and dedications. Do you remember (without looking!) who I dedicated The Frontiersman's Daughter to?

21 comments:

Oh, this is a pretty book cover! Love the old time etching look of it and the font (I do love a good font!)

If I remember right...you dedicated your first book to your grandmother?

Ah, if I wrote a book....who would I dedicate it to? I'm sure my family. Most likely my husband...he's just so darned supportive ;) and my little gal who somehow gave me the courage to go after what I want just by coming into the world.

Very much looking forward to reading the coming book! Oh, to e a fly on the wall at your house right now ;) well, a reading fly on the wall...

Love your dedication comments, Heather. I think husbands probably love that, too. I've seen a great many husbands thanked that way - and children like your little Miss A! And you remembered that TFD was for my granny! Thank you for that! I always wonder if readers ever look at those type things. So obviously some do:)I'm go glad you want to read CML. There are some pretty dreamy romantic moments therein! And those are, of course, my favorite parts!

Oh, I love that book cover! Such a pretty picture. :) And I always read dedications, though I couldn't for the life of me remember the dedication from TFD...so yay Heather! :) I would probably dedicate my first book to my dad. He's been more on board with my writing than I've ever been, I think... :)

Keli,I'm not surprised that Gwynly is your choice. From what I know of him, he is hero material. I even love his name! Supportive husbands are one of God's best gifts. The wording you use here is just perfect - "who believed in me long before I believed in myself." Well said!

Kav, You'd better post a pic of Simba on your blog as I'm dying to meet him:) He sounds like quite a character!

As for walking, that's how plot pieces come together for me, also. Not long ago I read how walking/exercise enhances creativity. The only problem is I don't walk with pen and paper and sometimes lose ideas of wording:(

Thanks so very much for your enthusiasm about CML. Although I've been through this once before, releasing book 2 brings different challenges. There is always buzz about the "sophomore slump" and comparisons with your first, etc. On the other hand, it will be interesting to see reader reactions as Morrow is no Lael:) Publishing is never dull!

Ruth, With all the reading you do, I didn't expect you to remember my dedication:) I think there are far more memorable ones, like the author who proposed to his girlfriend in his dedication. Now that's memorable!

I like the old-style book look, too. But I like vintage anything. My dream is to have a book printed with that "deckle edge" so in vogue now which harkens back to olden days.

You are so blessed to have a supportive dad! In writing and other needed ways. It always makes my heart glad when I read dedications to a parent. And it must really make them sing:)

I love to read dedications, too. They really show the heart of the author.

As for whom I'd dedicate my first book to, that's easy: my husband, Marvin. From the beginning he's been my loudest cheerleader & strongest encourager. Without his support, I'm certain I would have quit writing years ago.

Laura, what a neat book that is "The Book of my Heart". I just love it! I have a fondness for antique books and that seems pretty special.But of course, it is so great to have written your own book of your heart. May your heart be filled with many books, and overflowing!

I sure did remember who you dedicated TFD to. A very memorable dedication.

I've pondered that question of who I would dedicate my book(s) to on many occasion. Of course, I've since realized that I just must write many books to dedicate them to so many special people who have supported and inspired me in this writing journey and in my life.

I'm pretty certain I will dedicate at least one book "To the Lover of My Soul".

Love that, Carla - "the lover of my soul." It says so much and is so poetic. I'm like you and feel there must be many books as there are so many people who deserve a dedication. My granny had passed away right before TFD was in print and I was sad about that, but the person to whom CML is dedicated is very much alive:)I have no doubt we will see many of your books in print. I'll be the first in line to buy! Thanks so much for sharing your heart here.

When (hopefully) I publish my first book, I will dedicate it to my parents AND my husband. I don't think I could choose between the two who raised me to follow God's plan, and the one who supports me in that plan.

I am already rereading TFD. There is much to be found the second and third time through...so I am relaxing and enjoying every word and not in a hurry to see what happens.

I think God intends that for our lives...to slow down and savor each "word" aka "moment".

If I wrote a book I would have to dedicate it to Him and give thanks for the life and experiences I have encountered in this journey and praise and again give thanks for His company on the walk. It is all His gifts in my life that put me where I am today, including my husband, the love of my life since I was eleven years old.. and as well my daughter (middle child) and her strength in always supporting me when I take off on new paths.

I can't wait for your new book to arrive! Let go of the stress my dear.

Laurie, I'm so touched that you are reading TFD again (and again)! It's wonderful to think that there is enough substance to do that. Plus I know you are very, very busy and still make time for it. Thank you.

Your husband and daughter sound like gifts from Him. Do artists dedicate paintings, I wonder? I have a feeling you give Him glory for each one that you do. I love the idea for your book dedication.

I agree - we are not to live at such a frenetic pace. When I do my writing suffers. I bet you can say the same of your artwork. Reading sure helps slow us down! Bless you this week!

This is only a month later, but life has been that way lately. As an artist when I work on a painting I have learned to PAINT. PAINT and PAINT through all stages. You continue until you feel it is done and there is balance and then you paint more. Finally there is a split second that passes and you realize you are done. The "soul" of the painting has established itself and it stands on it's own. Each painting is from the heart... just as your writing comes from strands of colors woven through your mind and soul into the story. I cannot wait to read CML.

This is only a month later, but life has been that way lately. As an artist when I work on a painting I have learned to PAINT. PAINT and PAINT through all stages. You continue until you feel it is done and there is balance and then you paint more. Finally there is a split second that passes and you realize you are done. The "soul" of the painting has established itself and it stands on it's own. Each painting is from the heart... just as your writing comes from strands of colors woven through your mind and soul into the story. I cannot wait to read CML.

Laurie,I love hearing about your painting process - it is so interesting and different from writing yet the "soul" of the process is the same. Perhaps because we have the same Creator! Even though we're both busy I think of you so often and pray things are well in your world. You are one of the busiest (and most fulfilled) ladies I know:) Thanks so much for taking time here. It blesses me!